Tucson’s largest school district has announced a plan to reverse the downward trend in student enrollment.
Tucson Unified School District has seen a continuous decline in enrollment, and this short-term plan is focusing on getting at-risk students back in the classroom and improving customer service and satisfaction. Interim Superintendent Gabriel Trujillo began rolling out the plan a few weeks ahead of the first day of school.
Many factors have contributed to the decline, including an increase in competition and other educational options, aging population and slow economic development in the region.
A mere seven years ago, more than 52,000 students were enrolled in the district’s 89 schools. That number has steadily declined, with just over 47,000 children enrolled for the last school year.
Some parents also find themselves challenged by a complex, often complicated registration process. As part of the plan, the district will aim to streamline registration and create systems to connect with families during the enrollment process period. There will also be efforts to use outreach initiatives for disengaged students at risk of dropping out and greater research into why families leave the district.
This is a time of change for the district, especially as the search for the new superintendent reaches it’s final stages. On August 10, five finalists for the position will be announced.
Many teachers in the district are also requesting that other bargaining groups, in addition to the Tucson Education Association, be allowed to negotiate on their behalf with the Governing Board.
Stay up to date on all Tucson Unified School District news on the official district website.